As the leaves begin to change and a crisp chill settles over the city, Toronto comes alive with the warm magic of fall.
This October, from spooky spectacles to world-class dance and immersive art, the season offers something for everyone in the city.
Whether you’re hunting for Halloween thrills, craving a dose of the city’s culture, or just looking for a cozy way to spend a weekend, this lineup of can’t-miss events will keep your calendar full throughout the entire month.
Here are 10 events to check out this October in Toronto.
ARTS & CULTURE
Art Toronto
- Date: October 24 to 26
- Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
- Admission: Starting at $40
Calling all the art-lovers: Canada’s biggest international art festival is back in town for one weekend only!
In its 26th year, Art Toronto is set to take over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this October. Since its inception in 2000, the fair has connected audiences to local, national and international galleries. This year’s lineup features an incredible range of exhibitors, across Canada and around the world, including Buenos Aires, Frankfurt, London, Mexico City, New York City, Santiago, Sydney and more.
For more information, click here.
Sharks at ROM
- Date: October 11 through December
- Location: Royal Ontario Museum
- Admission: $9 surcharge over general admission
Sink your teeth into the latest exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) that takes a look into one of nature’s most complex underwater predators.
Sharks might get a bad rap for their terrifying depiction in the media, but there’s more that meets the eye when it comes to these creatures. At the ROM’s Sharks, visitors will get the opportunity to dive deep into the anatomy, behaviour, and history of sharks, from familiar favourites like tiger sharks and great whites to lesser-known species like the dwarf lanternshark.
For more information, click here.
MUSIC
All Things Go Music Festival
- Date: October 4 and 5
- Location: Budweiser Stage
- Admission: Starting at $121
Put your dancing shoes on, because a new music festival is headed to Budweiser Stage for the first time ever!
The inaugural All Things Go is headed straight to the 6ix, bringing together 16 artists shaping the next generation of music and culture. Set against the brilliant backdrop of Toronto’s waterfront, this two-day open-air festival is bringing both established and emerging artists to the stage like Reneé Rapp, Kacey Musgraves, Ravyn Lenae and Noah Cyrus.
Single-day tickets or two-day passes are available for purchase, and doors open for this exciting weekend on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 12:30 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Hocus Pocus In Concert
- Date: October 17 and 18
- Location: Meridian Hall
- Admission: Starting at $57.50
Just in time for Halloween, Meridian Hall is bringing a cult classic to the big screen while the TO Live Orchestra performs the score live to picture.
Relive the 1993 fantasy-comedy film Hocus Pocus in Concert, which tells the story of three sister witches resurrected on Halloween night in Salem, Massachusetts, on the hunt for eternal life. Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and many more to the backdrop of a sweet symphony, this show is not to be missed!
There are two showings, one on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and one on Saturday at 2 p.m.
For more information, click here.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Legends of Horror
- Date: October 4
- Location: Casa Loma
- Admission: Starting at $52.34
Step aside, haunted houses. Haunted castles are where it’s at!
This October, Casa Loma transforms into a spine-chilling immersive experience with Legends of Horror. The two kilometre self-guided trail takes guests through the castle’s gardens, tunnels, and hidden chambers, many never before open to the public.
The journey also features theatrical sets, live characters, and culminates in a spectacular 3D projection mapping on the castle’s exterior. A must-see for Halloween season thrill-seekers and fans of atmospheric storytelling!
For more information, click here.
Nuit Blanche
- Date: October 4 and 5
- Location: 401 Richmond
- Admission: Free
Over 100 artists. 12 hours. One night.
The nighttime art affair Nuit Blanche returns this fall, and 401 Richmond will come alive with 12 full hours of vibrant installations, interactive exhibitions, and live performances.
Spanning two floors of immersive art, explore the unique space, home to over 140 artists and cultural innovators, and experience the diverse practices shaping the city’s cultural landscape. This year, tap into pop-up Spanish dance demo sessions and a one-night-only live art battle!
Nuit Blanche runs from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
For more information, click here.
Toronto Dark Arts Market: Hallowmas Market
- Date: October 18
- Location: Ground Control
- Admission: Free
Get into the spooky spirit at the Toronto Dark Arts Hallowmas Market at Ground Control!
With more than 40 vendors offering eerie, eclectic, and handmade creations, this is your one-stop shop for all things weird and wonderful, just in time for Halloween!
Sip on drinks from the bar as you browse, all in a fully accessible venue close to transit and parking. The market opens from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Fall for Dance North Festival
- Date: October 15 to 26
- Location: St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
- Admission: $25
The iconic Fall for Dance North (FFDN) returns for its 11th season this October, bringing over 30 Canadian and international dance artists to the city!
With performances at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and other stages across Toronto, this year’s festival features three dynamic Signature Programmes: AFROFUSION, HOMEGROWN, and KATHAK & BALLET. It will also include appearances by The Royal Ballet, Kathak artists Tanveer Alam and Barkha Patel, and a world premiere by Esie Mensah.
New this year, Up Next at OCAD U offers a free, audience-directed experience, while Intimate Pairings delivers up-close performances at The Citadel.
Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of movement!
For more information, click here.
STAGE
Adam Sandler
- Date: October 12
- Location: Scotiabank Arena
- Admission: Starting at $95
Legendary comedian and actor Adam Sandler will bring his “You’re My Best Friend” tour to Toronto for one night only at Scotiabank Arena.
Following the release of Happy Gilmore 2, a sequel to the 1996 fan-favourite golf film, Sandler is keeping the jokes rolling on his North American comedy tour.
Be sure to stop by for a laugh, as it’s the only Canadian stop! This show begins at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Disney’s Little Mermaid
- Date: October 4 to November 2
- Location: Randolph Theatre
- Admission: Starting at $30.49
Back by popular demand and now at a new venue, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is making a splash at the Randolph Theatre!
Dive under the sea into the beloved story of Ariel and her underwater world in this Broadway-style musical filled with all your favourite songs from the classic film, plus new tunes by Oscar-winner Alan Menken.
This magical experience is for audiences of all ages, and promises dazzling performances, stunning costumes, and pure theatrical joy.
For more information, click here.
For more events like this, check out our events calendar powered by Destination Toronto, and to list your event, click here.
